While in New Iberia participating in the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival (April 5-7), don’t forget to take advantage of the other venues dedicated to telling the story of the Teche region.

Every object has a narrative, every person a past and every place a memory. These narratives, this past and these memories of the Teche region are preserved and celebrated at the Bayou Teche Museum. If you haven’t visited, you should. The Museum in a visually attractive setting tells the Teche region’s story—history, music, religion, art, culture and industry. We cannot know who we are unless we know our history and our history and culture are on full display at the Museum. Several years ago the Iberia Cultural Resources association published a book entitled: New Iberia: What Can’t be Lost. The Bayou Teche Museum assures that our past will not be lost.

The Shadows seems to have always been there. I remember as a young boy in New Iberia, my grandfather took me to meet Weeks Hall, the so-called Master of the Shadows. Today’s Shadows is much more then the story of a home and its history, as important as that is. The Shadows is the story of an epoch—the anti-bellum South and its history and culture as well as the period after the Civil War. The tour of the Shadows today does not center only on furniture, artifacts and architecture, although important contextually, but presents our region’s history. Particular attention is given to the history of slavery which for too long was forgotten or ignored. The Shadows is not static history but fully involved in the community by actively infusing and supporting events and outreach to the whole region. The Shadows provides an unprecedented place for community gatherings and events. The Shadow’s educational outreach is multifaceted and vigorous. If you have never visited the Shadows, you should. If you have not attended one of the events at the Shadows, you should.

Although not having a place or building as visible as the Museum or the Shadows the Iberia African American Historical Society (IAAHS) and the Iberia Cultural Recourses Association are real presences in New Iberia. Just look at tll the historical signs and markers that the African American Society has placed around town to inform us. Just look at all the educational events they sponsor for all. This group is an integral part of the Literary Festival. The IAAHS informs the work of the Museum and the Shadows.

The Cultural Resources Association is a vibrant group that constantly presents quality programs highlighting local culture, history and arts. I have not attended a production sponsored by them that was not first rate. Their publications are outstanding.

But none of these places, groups or events are self-sustaining. If we want them to continue and if we truly believe in our past as well as present, we must support them and the activities they sponsor. Enjoy the Book Festival; enjoy all New Iberia’s cultural and historical treasures. Enjoy!!!

Dr. John W. Ray, a New Iberia native, is a professor emeritus of political science and public policy at Montana Technological University, Butte, Montana. He was born in New Iberia, graduated from Catholic High School in 1966 and still regularly visits home to see friends and family.